How to Know If a House Is Right for You

 

Did You Just Find Your Dream Home? Here's How You Can Tell.

BY ELIZABETH WEINTRAUB

It's normal to be cautious when you're shopping for a home. After all, a house is a huge investment, and you'll want to be sure that you're making the best decision possible. How you'll know that you’ve found the right property can vary by person. Some people have gut instincts. Others may need more convincing. Some indicators can tell you if you've found the right property for you.

10 Ways to Know You've Found the Right House

It can be as simple as a strong tug because the place reminds you of another in your past where you felt happy, and you'll realize that right off the cuff. But the tell—or tells—could be a bit more subtle.

1. You want to go inside the house. Is the home in your preferred area, close to the places important to you, school, work, shopping, away from all that. What is important to you? Part of the excitement of looking at homes is not knowing which could be your new home when you pull up to the curb. Is it the one on the left, or does the place on the right strike your fancy? If it's the house on the right and you like it better than the home on the left, that could be a sign. Something about this house appeals to you. First impressions are everything.
2. The house embraces you the moment you enter. Does the home feel welcoming to you, are you looking for a fixer upper and this home doesn't scare you, and your lender will lend to you on a fixer upper? Are you looking for a move in ready home, and this just feels right? You'll know within about three seconds of entering whether the feels warm and comforting. Does it seem to speak to you? Does it invite you to explore? Does it feel like home? If so, it probably is.
3. You don't feel funny in the bathroom. Is it too small to comfortably fit? Is it welcoming to you? Sometimes buyers feel so uncomfortable near a bathroom that they won't walk into the room. They'll stand outside, grab the door frame, and poke their heads in for a minute. This is your home if you walk into the bathroom and feel compelled to open the shower door or stroke the vanity marble.
4. You feel defensive about the house.  It could be a sign that you’re falling for the house if you find yourself getting defensive, sort of like the place is already yours. You want a 2 car garage, but this is only 1 car, and you're ok with that because it has so much more in other areas and that compensates for the smaller garage. Just try to keep in mind how difficult (or not so difficult) it will be to remedy those flaws if you eventually find that you just can't live with them.
5. You begin to envision the furniture arrangement. You see your furniture fitting perfectly, or you think, I'd have to sell my furniture and get something different, and that's ok, because this home has so much that is right. This might be your house if you walk into the master bedroom and can immediately envision your bed against a particular wall. You're already hooked if you find yourself thinking that the living room window is a perfect spot to put a tree come Christmas. Or maybe you can already see yourself driving up the street, heading home after a hard day at work. There's a neighbor across the street throwing a frisbee to a dog, and it occurs to you that they might be people you'd like to know. Neighborhood counts as much as furniture placement.
6. It checks the most important boxes. It doesn't fit exactly, but it fits the things important to me. The property might not have every amenity on your want list, but it meets the basic requirements. It has the number of rooms and space you need. Maybe it doesn't have a garage, and you realize in a flash of enlightenment that buying a house with a garage is really not that important after all. You realize you could build a garage if it turns out you really do want one. Sudden urges to be flexible are a good sign that you’re in the right place.
7. You want to stop looking at other homes. You see how fast the homes go in to contract in your area, and you just want to stop. You're not settling, you are really loving this one. You compare each new property you visit to this one, and they’re not measuring up. You lost other homes because you were not ready to write an offer quite yet, and you don't want to lose this one.
8. You can't wait to brag about it. Did you text your mom about the house or hop on that group chat to tell your friends? You might have found the one if you’re feeling excitement after your first tour of the place. Curb the desire to post online and tell all your friends everywhere. So remember, the Seller may search for your name to see if you posted that you just have to have this house at any cost.
9. You're already planning to go back.If you got in the car, chatted with your spouse, and immediately planned your next visit to the property before you even left the driveway, you’re a goner. You want to see it at a different time of day or take your mom or best friend with you the next time. Ask your agent to send over the seller’s disclosures to make sure it’s in top condition. You should probably start discussing offers, too, because you’ve probably found your house.

Can You Sleep on It?

It's important to act fast once you’ve found that perfect property. It might still be tempting to “sleep on it,” but that could be a big mistake.

Shuffle your feet, lose your seat, as the saying goes. It's almost a given that you're not the only homebuyer looking for a house with your specific criteria. Someone else could buy that home right from under you while you're in bed counting sheep. 

Housing markets are often highly competitive, so time can be of the essence when you find a property you like.

Most of the time, you can trust your instincts. You should probably submit an offer if you like a property and it's in your price range. Talk to your agent, your spouse, or a trusted loved one and get guidance if you're not sure, but acting quick is critical.

Don't Overlook the Basics

Maybe you don't want to sleep on it. Maybe you want to call the moving company now. Do be realistic in your fervor to have the house.

Don't be tempted to slide outside your budget and what housing expenses it can reasonably accommodate. Check out the schools if you have children, and consider how long it's going to take you to commute to work. Will that grow old if the house is some distance from your place of employment?

A home is a long-term decision. Be passionate...but treat it like one. You are able to make good decisions, trust yourself, and find a trusted agent like Connie Sadowski! Check out reviews online, and search their name online, see what others are saying!

Enjoy the process, you are making memories....make them great ones.